Clark College News and Events

Graphic–Clark College News and Events

Clark College News and Events


September 22, 2008
For Immediate Release
For additional information: 
Barbara Kerr, Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
Telephone:
360-992-2921
E-mail:  bkerr@clark.edu

75 HOURS HONORING 75 YEARS. 
CLARK COLLEGE KICKS OFF ITS YEARLONG DIAMOND JUBILEE
ON OCTOBER 1

Clark College invites the community to join the kickoff celebration of the college’s Diamond Jubilee at dynamic events spanning 75 hours
from October 1-4

 

Clark College 75th anniversary logoVANCOUVER, Wash. –  Clark College will celebrate its 75th anniversary and launch a year-long diamond jubilee with events over 75 hours starting at 9 a.m. on October 1 and continuing through noon on October 4. 

The announcement came as Clark College opened its doors for the 2008-2009 academic year.  To date, enrollment is up more than 9% from fall of 2008.  More than 12,000 students are taking classes at Clark College this fall.  More than 1,300 students have sign up for the Running Start program.  In addition, the college is welcoming 78 students through its International Program. 

The newly-enhanced Gaiser Student Center will be the focal point of many of the events throughout the college’s Diamond Jubilee year.   In addition, construction continues at Clark College at Columbia Tech Center, which is scheduled to open its doors in fall 2009.

Founded by a group of educators and businesspeople during the darkest times of the Great Depression, Clark College (originally called Vancouver Junior College) opened its doors in 1933.   The college struggled through the early years and faced declining enrollments during World War II.  However, the postwar years triggered a boom that has continued to this day. 

Clark College President Robert K. Knight said, “Seventy-five years after the college was founded, our mission remains the same.  We provide great educational opportunities to support the dreams of each person who joins our Penguin Nation.  We foster lifelong learners who contribute to our region and the global community.” 

Knight said that he looks forward to welcoming students, faculty, staff, supporters, and alumni to the celebration as well as members of the greater community to events that including the lighting of the Clark College Chime Tower, a “Rock the Vote” rally, two dedication ceremonies and a Penguin Oktoberfest with food and fun for the community as well as alumni hospitality suites.  

Knight noted, “If you’ve ever worked at Clark or taken a class here, you are a Clark alum and we hope you’ll join our celebration.”

The theme of Clark’s 75th anniversary celebration is:  “Preserve the past.  Honor the present.  Embrace the future.”

Information about the college’s 75th anniversary celebration and history is available on the college Web site:  www.clark.edu/clark75.  Clark College is located at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver.

 

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EDITORS’ NOTE:  The schedule of the events for the 75-hour kickoff follows as well as the listing of the generous community sponsors who have made this celebration possible.  With the exception of the K-Rod Walk/Run, all events are free and open to the public.  The registration fee for the K-Rod Walk/Run is $25 per person, which includes participation in the walk/run and a luau luncheon.  The fee for attending the luau luncheon only is $10 per person.

Clark College 75th anniversary logo

Clark College Diamond Jubilee Kickoff -- Schedule of Events

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

9 a.m. – Happy Birthday!

All faculty, staff, students, and community members are invited to convene in their offices, classrooms, and salute Clark College by singing Happy Birthday in unison at 9 a.m.  Throughout the day, the Clark College Chime Tower, which has been an iconic site at the college for more than 40 years, will strike the time with the tune of “Happy Birthday.”

2 p.m. – Dedication of the Ellis F. Dunn Community Room

The dedication of the college's new community room pays tribute to Ellis F. Dunn, who served Clark College for 30 years in a number of roles including interim President, by designating the “Ellis F. Dunn Community Room” in Gaiser Hall.

2-4 p.m. – Birthday cake and college tours

Members of the community are invited to join faculty, staff and students to enjoy birthday cake in the Penguin Student Lounge and take part in tours showcasing the college’s beautiful main campus as well as the college's history.

7 p.m. – 75th Anniversary Celebration and Chime Tower Lighting

An evening program, which will be held in the newly-enhanced Gaiser Student Center, will include welcomes by college dignitaries, entertainment and surprises, as well as congratulatory messages from Washington Governor Chris Gregoire, Congressman Brian Baird, Vancouver Mayor Royce Pollard, and other local and state elected officials.   It will culminate with the lighting of the Clark College Chime Tower, a gift from the Clark College Alumni Association.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – “Rock the Vote” Rally

A “Rock the Vote” rally will be held in conjunction with the launch of service learning projects at the college.  The events will take place at the Gaiser Student and the Andersen Fountain.  This event has been designed to engage the students at Clark College in celebration of the college's 75th anniversary while also encouraging interest in the electoral process during an important election year.

2-3:30 p.m. – Accreditation Appreciation

Clark College has just completed a comprehensive two-year self-study in advance of the college’s 2008 accreditation.  An appreciation event for more than 100 faculty and staff members who have taken part in the self-study will be held in the Penguin Student Lounge.   This event will honor their work and that of their peers in ensuring that Clark College continues its margin of excellence within the community.

Friday, October 3, 2008

10 a.m. – noon   Clark College at Town Plaza Open House and Tours

Clark College at Town Plaza will host an open house and tours for students, faculty, staff and members of the general community.  Clark College at Town Plaza Center is the home of the college’s Adult Basic Education programs, English as a Second Language, and GED instruction.  Town Plaza is located at 5411 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver.

1 p.m.  – Dedication of the Clark College Andersen Educational Complex

The college will dedicate the Andersen Educational Complex at the college.  This celebration event, which will take place at the “T” Building on the west side of Fort Vancouver Way, will honor Roy and Virginia Andersen who made history a decade ago by making a contribution to Clark College that would change the culture of philanthropy in support of community and technical colleges across the United States.

Penguin Oktoberfest logo

4-8 p.m.  Penguin Oktoberfest

On its beautiful main campus, Clark College will host Penguin Oktoberfest, a family-friendly festival and free to the public, complete with a play area, coloring station, artisan booths, food, and fun for the entire community to enjoy.

4-8 p.m.   Penguin Oktoberfest:  Alumni Hospitality Suite

The first-ever reunion of Clark College alumni throughout the decades will be held in the Penguin Student Lounge.  The event will reconnect the men and women who have benefitted from having Clark College as their alma mater.  

 

 

Saturday, October 4, 2008

9 a.m. to noon – Kalani Rodrigues (K-Rod) Memorial Scholarship 5K Run and Walk

This special event will help to raise funds for the Kalani Rodrigues Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund.  Registration will begin at 9 a.m. at the Christensen Soccer Field in the Clark College Athletic Complex.  The walk/run will begin at 10 a.m. and will conclude with a Hawaiian luau lunch and entertainment at the Gaiser Student Center and Andersen Fountain. 

Sunday, October 5, 2008

1-3 p.m.  Clark College Archer Gallery – Ruth Patterson Hart exhibit reception

Clark College's Archer Gallery will extend the college’s 75-hour kickoff of its diamond jubilee by hosting a reception for its first exhibit of the new academic year – a retrospective of work by artist Ruth Patterson Hart.  The reception will be held on Sunday, October 5 from 1-3 p.m. The exhibit, which is free and open to the public, will be on display at the Archer Gallery from September 30 through October 25. 

Our Community Supporters

Generous support from the community has enabled Clark College to host members of the Penguin Nation and the greater community at free or low-cost events throughout the year.  Individuals and organizations that have already pledged their support include:

Platinum Sponsor – Arnerich, Massena and Associates
Gold Sponsor – The Columbian
Diamond Sponsors – iQ Credit Union, Legacy Health System and Bank of America
Other Contributions – Moss Adams, Julia Bakery and Burgerville; Carol Curtis and George Welsh


 
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